NCAA BK

Oklahoma takes down Idaho 85-65

NORMAN, Okla. (AP)

Cameron Clark's 14 points led five Oklahoma players in
double-figure scoring as the Sooners turned in their best defensive
effort of the season and raced past Idaho 85-65 Wednesday.

Idaho (1-1) scored on its first three possessions, including a
pair of 3-pointers. After the teams swapped the lead four times
Idaho built a six-point lead before Oklahoma moved ahead for good
with 7:56 remaining.

''It was a good game to win,'' Oklahoma coach Lon Kruger said.
''I thought Idaho is a ballclub that does a real good job of
executing and controlling the game. ''Our guys - after the first
few minutes - got into it and started dictating defensively.''

Oklahoma (3-0) shot 48 percent from the floor in the first half
and scored seven points off nine Idaho turnovers to lead 40-29 at
halftime.

Oklahoma picked up the pace defensively in the second half,
forcing the Vandals to work through full-court pressure most trips
up the floor. The Sooners pushed their lead to as many as 26 while
forcing five more turnovers and holding a 45-35 rebounding
edge.

The Sooners also recorded a season-high eight blocks in a
tightly-officiated game. The two teams combined for 45 fouls and 54
free throws.

The 65 points were the fewest the Sooners have allowed all
season.

''We were a little more aggressive,'' Kruger said. ''That's the
key. We slid our feet much better on the ball and we went to the
ball much better. Everyone is still learning. The officials are
still learning. The players are still learning how the game will be
called and this one was probably a little tighter with hands than
the other two.''

Buddy Hield and Ryan Spangler scored 13 for the Sooners while
Tyler Neal and Je'lon Hornbeak each added 12.

Idaho came into the game leading the WAC conference in
3-pointers made (7) and three-point percentage (36 percent). After
guard Connor Hill opened the game with a pair of threes, Idaho
would finish the night converting just 6-of-22 attempts.

''Yesterday's practice was mainly about defense,'' Hornbeak
said. ''We watched a lot of film defensively and it's always good
to see your mistakes together. We really held each other
accountable and it showed.''

The senior Neal again came off the bench to give the Sooners
solid production, leading Oklahoma with seven rebounds in 19
minutes.

The game was Oklahoma's third in six days since beginning the
season November 8 with an 82-73 win over Alabama in the Buckets and
Boots Showcase. The Sooners returned home Monday to beat North
Texas 95-82.

Oklahoma will have eight days off until traveling to Seton Hall
Nov. 22.

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